August 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant month for music lovers in Phoenix and beyond, with a dazzling lineup of concerts spanning genres from country and hip-hop to rock and R&B. From hometown shows featuring chart-topping stars to major tours hitting the city’s iconic venues, the Valley of the Sun is pulsing with live music energy this month.
Country music fans have plenty to look forward to, starting with Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind World Tour opening night on Thursday, August 14, at the PHX Arena in downtown Phoenix. Known for her soulful voice and authentic storytelling, Wilson’s arrival marks a highlight of the summer concert season. Just days earlier, on Friday, August 8, Chris Stapleton will bring his All-American Road Show Tour to the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale for two nights, accompanied by Marty Stuart & the Fabulous Superlatives. Stapleton’s blend of blues, country, and rock has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following, making these shows a must-see.
Hip-hop enthusiasts will also find their groove this August. Wiz Khalifa kicks off the month with his Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker’s Edition at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on August 1. Later in the month, the legendary Lil Wayne celebrates over two decades of hits with his Tha Carter VI Tour on August 29 at the same venue. Just a day before, Nelly’s Where the Party At Tour, featuring Ja Rule, Eve, and others, will bring a nostalgic party vibe to the amphitheater on August 28. These performances promise to deliver high energy and crowd-pleasing hits from some of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Fans of indie and alternative sounds aren’t left out either. Shinedown’s Dance, Kid, Dance Tour with special guests Bush will light up the PHX Arena on August 2, while Ghost’s World Tour takes the stage there on August 11. The Van Buren hosts a variety of acts including D4VD’s Withered 2025 World Tour on both August 1 and 6, and We Came as Romans’ Bad Luck Tour on August 8. Meanwhile, the Arizona Financial Theatre offers an eclectic mix with Teddy Swims’ I've Tried Everything But Therapy Tour on August 3, Oscar Maydon’s Rico O Muerto Tour on August 8, and Kali Uchis’ Sincerely, Tour on August 27.
For those seeking unique and intimate musical experiences, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix features several standout concerts. Crystal Bowersox performs on August 5, Macy Gray celebrates the 25th anniversary of her album On How Life Is on the same day, and Blood, Sweat & Tears take the stage for two nights on August 20 and 21. Additionally, the Celebrity Theatre will host Marisela’s La Dama de Hierro Tour on August 9 and Los Parras on August 23, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the city’s music scene.
Beyond Phoenix, the surrounding area buzzes with diverse performances. The Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino on the Gila River Indian Community welcomes KC & the Sunshine Band on August 1, Buddy Guy on August 8, and Rodney Carrington on August 30. The Marquee Theatre in Tempe hosts a range of artists including Chris Travis on August 3, Collie Buddz on August 15, Jerry Cantrell on August 19, and Black Flag on August 26. Meanwhile, the Nile Theatre in Mesa offers shows by Sematary on August 12, Alien Ant Farm on August 20, and K Camp on August 21.
But the live music excitement doesn’t stop in Phoenix. Across the United States, major artists are preparing for fall tours that promise to bring fresh sounds and celebrated classics to fans. Thundercat, the acclaimed bassist and producer, confirmed a North American tour starting mid-October and running through mid-November, hitting nine cities with his distinctive jazz-fusion style. Erykah Badu, a soul and neo-soul icon, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of her seminal album Mama’s Gun with a 16-show Mama’s Gun ’25: The Return of Automatic Slim Tour from October through December.
Junior H, a rising Mexican artist known for blending music, fashion, and cultural evolution, has mapped out his $AD BOYZ LIVE & BROKEN TOUR 2025, which will run from August 31 through November 7 across various U.S. venues. British producer TroyBoi will bring his genre-defying Here2Move Tour to 13 U.S. cities between October 3 and December 6, delivering a dynamic mix of electronic and hip-hop beats.
Jam bands are also making waves this fall. moe. added five new dates to their 35th Anniversary Tour, including a return to New York City in October and a three-night finale in Boston in November. Umphrey’s McGee announced two three-night residencies at Brooklyn Bowl and The Vogue Theatre in Indianapolis, offering fans extended opportunities to catch their improvisational performances. Eggy, a Connecticut-based jam quartet, expanded their fall tour with six new dates spanning the South, Midwest, and West from October 31 through November 15.
Shovels & Rope, the husband-and-wife duo known for their heartfelt Americana, will embark on a stripped-down and intimate Fall Tour 2025, with shows in the Midwest during November and a special engagement in New Orleans in December. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae announced his global Reconstruction World Tour supporting his 10th album, Reconstruction, set for release on August 22. This ambitious trek will span four continents from September through December, highlighting Lecrae’s evolving artistry and global appeal.
Back in Phoenix, the city’s venues continue to showcase a rich and varied musical calendar throughout August. From the nostalgic beats of Rick Springfield’s I Want My '80s Tour on August 9 to the energetic performances of Slightly Stoopid’s Step Into the Sun Tour on August 14, there’s something for every music aficionado. The Crescent Ballroom and Maya Dayclub in Scottsdale offer more intimate settings, featuring artists like Mario Why, Bashfortheworld, Tropidelic & Shwayze, and Aluna.
As the month winds down, fans can catch iconic acts like The Offspring with Jimmy Eat World on August 27 at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, and “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Bigger & Weirder Tour on August 31 at Arizona Financial Theatre. The Celebrity Theatre will close out the month with 10cc’s Ultimate Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour on August 31, while Mesa Arts Center hosts Will Wood’s Mr. Wood is Dead 10-Year Anniversary Tour the same day.
With such a packed schedule, August 2025 promises to be a landmark month for live music in Phoenix and across the country. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful crooning of country stars, the infectious rhythms of hip-hop legends, or the electrifying energy of rock and jam bands, the concert scene is alive and thriving. So grab your tickets, mark your calendars, and get ready to experience some of the best live performances the music world has to offer.
